PARKINSON: THIS IS AN IMPORTANT PERIOD FOR US

23 March 2016

With just nine games of the regular campaign to go and City outside the Play-Offs on goal difference alone, Bantams boss Phil Parkinson says his players must now show they are up to the task, starting with the forthcoming extended Easter weekend.

The Bantams entertain fellow Play-Off contender Millwall at the Coral Windows Stadium this Saturday (26 March 2016) before travelling to play away at relegation-threatened Crewe Alexandra two days later on Easter Monday.

City will have players missing for the Millwall and Crewe matches due to recent international call-ups but they have been boosted by the arrival of Rotherham United's Tom Thorpe on loan at the start of the week.

Parkinson said: "This stage of the season is why you get into football for.

"We have to stay calm and concentrate on the job we have to do for each game.

"We have a lot of experience in the camp of dealing with this position. The lads are ready for it and we have to relish it.

"This Easter period is a slightly strange one with the international break - I certainly can't remember it happening like this before - but it is business as usual for us.

"It is an important three days for us with the games against Millwall and Crewe. We will be looking to start this period with a positive result on Saturday.

"With the international call-ups and Rory McArdle's shoulder injury, we felt we needed some extra cover in defence and midfield.

"Tom will give us that. He is a player with good potential and he fits what we need at the moment."